Dr. Kathleen Cepelka will be among fourteen individuals receiving the Archbishop’s Vatican II Award for Distinguished Service for outstanding contributions to the Church and society. The awards were established in 1991 to honor men, women and young adults who exemplify the Catholic Church’s vision set forth in the Second Vatican Council.

Dr. Cepelka, who will receive the award for Service in Education, has spent over 40 years serving Catholic schools in various capacities. Her work at Marquette University College of Education has included service as both a full- and part-time faculty member, as well as her current appointment as the Associate Dean of the College and Director of Teacher Education. She also actively supports numerous organizations through her dedicated service, including Pius XI High School Board of Directors, the Dominican High School Leadership Transition Team, Saint Clare Center Advisory Board, Capuchin Province of St. Joseph Public Relations Ministry, Schools’ Theology and Faith Formation Committee. In addition, she is co-chair of the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Education Consortium.

The Prayer Service and Awards Ceremony will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (802 N Jackson St.) on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 7 p.m., and will be followed by a Dessert Reception.